Good news - this year's MVP Health Care Bitter Pill is full! We've got a great field for ya this year - swing by the team list at http://www.gmara.org/bitterpill/teams.shtml and take a look at who you'll be racing against. While you're there, make sure your teams' USARA cert is done - if its not, get after your teammates to finish theirs!
I know everyone's been waiting for more location information, so here's what I can tell ya. We'll be in and around the Waterbury/Stowe area this year.
Race registration and post-race dinner will be held at the Town & Country resort at Stowe: http://www.townandcountrystowe.com/ There's a special race lodging rate: $82 per room, per night, based on double occupancy, plus 10% tax. Note - this rate does *not* include breakfast since the race starts at 5 am! Mention the race when you call, and they'll hook you up.
The other recommendation we have for lodging is the Waterbury Best Western, should T&C fill up: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=-&fb=1&cid=3427798901926391914
There are camping sites at Little River State Park, if you want to go that route: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/littleriver.htm
Several people have asked about bike rental shops in the area. Keep in mind that you'll need to pick up and drop off the bikes at the shops, so make sure to plan accordingly! Here are a few suggestions (please let whoever you use know you're with us!):
AJ's Ski & Sports http://www.ajssportinggoods.com/lifesports/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_name=Bike+Rentals&dept_id=7005 800-226-6257 front & full + a few high-end demos 9am-6pm $38/day front, $45/day full, $50/day demo. -20% discount Pinnacle Ski & Sports http://www.pinnacleskisports.com/BIKE_HIKE/bike_rentform.asp 800-458-9996 They have about 20 bikes of varying sizes, so get 'em early if you can They have bike racks for rent as well If over 10 racers rent, everyone will get 25% off, so let them know you're with us! 9:30am - 5:30pm Trapp Lodge http://www.trappfamily.com/mountainbikerentals 800-826-7000 9am-6pm hours, so most likely would need to plan to drop of Sunday morning... 1 day: $35, full: $45 2days, double that rate
This year's race is going to have some fairly tricky nav sections! Make sure to get out and practice your navigation ahead of time if you're rusty - especially paying attention to distances and scales... GPS is of course not permitted, but if you have an altimeter you can bring along, do so - they always help.
Oh, and also - in the best GMARA tradition, expect to find some nettles on the course this year. During our course exploration, Jim & I happened on a few patches that can only be described as "openly hostile". You've been warned. Long pants or tights will make you happy(er).
That's all for now!
-Tim Curtin, Race Director, The MVP Health Care Bitter Pill '10
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GMARA: Bringing Adventure to the Great Outdoors! tim@GMARA.org
(GMARA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization)